(Newser) – Pope Benedict has given his final Sunday blessing as pontiff from his window on St. Peter's Square, telling thousands of cheering well-wishers that "in prayer, we will always be close," reports the BBC. The pope, who steps down on Thursday, said in his final Angelus address that he's "not abandoning the church," but rather will continue to serve it in a way "more suitable to my age and strength," adds the AP. "Thank you for your affection," he told the crowd. Benedict's final public appearance comes Wednesday with his weekly appearance